With so many products out there on the market, it's hard to know what's a necessity for your little one. Here's our guide on the positives of introducing a comforter for your baby, as well as our top tips to get started!
What is a baby comforter?
A comforter is a tool to introduce to assist in allowing your child to feel secure and safe, particularly at sleep time. This can be a soft toy, or blanket, or 'lovey' as they are sometimes called.
The pros of introducing & using a comforter:
Promotes Sleep & Self Soothing:
Baby comforters, such as soft blankets or stuffed animals, can create a sense of security and familiarity for babies, helping them relax and fall asleep more easily. Babies often develop self-soothing skills through the use of a comforter. By snuggling, touching, or cuddling with their comforter, babies learn to comfort themselves, which can be helpful during bedtime or when experiencing minor distress. Comforters can help to teach positive sleeping habits, indicating that it is rest time.
Comforters can be used as a Transitional Object:
A comforter can serve as a transitional object, helping babies adjust to new environments, such as daycare or grandparents. It provides a familiar and comforting presence, making the transition smoother. The presence of a baby comforter can provide a soothing effect for babies, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calmness, especially during times of separation or transitions. When babies are separated from their caregivers, a baby comforter can provide reassurance and a sense of familiarity, reducing separation anxiety and helping babies feel more secure
Comforters are Versatile and Portable:
Baby comforters are typically lightweight and easy to carry, making them a convenient tool for soothing babies on the go. Whether it's during travel, outings, or visiting friends and family, a comforter can provide a familiar and comforting presence for babies.
Comforters can Promotes Independence:
As babies grow, a comforter can become a source of comfort and companionship, promoting a sense of independence. It can provide a feeling of security and familiarity when exploring new environments or facing new experiences.
What is ideal age to introduce a baby comforter?
The current research supports the use of a sleep-safe comforter from the age of 7 months. There are known developmental changes, that can commonly lead to separation anxiety, and a comforter is the perfect tool to ensure your baby feels safe, secure and reminded of you.
Our top tips:
1. Get doubles! If your little one is attached to a comforter, ensure you have a back up. We'd also suggest having two comforters that get rotated, so that if one gets lost or needs a wash, you aren't introducing a 'fresh' one, that hasn't been used before.
2. Choose a reputable brand, in which you know is safe, and won't come apart. As you know, we are pretty fussy about the products we select. All the brands we stock have been specifically chosen for their safety, quality, and affordability.
3. Before introducing a new comforter, lay it in your bed, or place in your jumper or pj's so it smells of Mumma, and your babe will feel instantly attached to it.
4. Check to ensure that there is no loose stitching or small pieces that can come off and cause a choking hazard. The best baby comforter will be soft, cuddly, and small enough to comfortably fit in their tiny hands.
Remember to always prioritise safety when using baby comforters. Choose comforters that are age-appropriate, free from small parts, and follow safe sleep guidelines to ensure a secure and comfortable environment for your little ones.
We love the Nana Huchy Hoochy Coochie Comforters, as they are the sweetest, snuggliest all in one toy. Not only will your little one love snuggling up to them, but they also act as a puppet for playtime, and dummy holder.
